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In 2015 I ran on the promise of bringing people together to solve the problems facing Centre County. Last year we took major steps towards making county government work again.

With a new majority on the Board of Commissioners my colleagues and I passed promised ethics reforms, made key hires at the county, invested in economic development, improved human services and provided timely disaster relief when flooding struck the Bald Eagle Valley.

Just over one month ago, I had the honor of being sworn-in for my second term as Commissioner. I was then appointed by my fellow commissioners as the new Chair of the Board. Thank you to everyone who attended the Swearing-In Ceremony and to all those who weren't able to attend who made the day possible by supporting our campaign.

It's hard to believe it's been almost two months since you helped us secure a new majority on the Centre County Board of Commissioners. Thanks to your hard work and support, we will soon begin working to restore trust in county government, reform our criminal justice system and find new ways to save and create well-paying jobs in Centre County.

I invite you to join us as we embark on this new chapter in Centre County government at our swearing-in ceremony in Bellefonte on Monday, January 4 at 9:00am.

With all 91 precincts reporting in Centre County, I’m humbled to announce that I have been re-elected to the Board of Commissioners with an historic vote. I’m thrilled that I will be joined by my good friend Mark Higgins. Over the last year, Mark worked tirelessly to reach out and talk to thousands of voters about his vision for the County. His energy and enthusiasm to provide better services to citizens and find ways to encourage job growth and expand entrepreneurship will be a terrific asset to the new Board. I’d also like to congratulate Commissioner Dershem on his re-election, thank Commissioner Exarchos for his years of service to Centre County, and recognize the impressive effort of Todd Kirsten’s Independent Party campaign.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write a letter to the editor in support of Commissioner Pipe to the Centre Daily Times! This post is updated as letters are published, be sure to check back for new letters.

This election matters. It’s time for Centre County to refocus and reset. Michael Pipe and Mark Higgins can make that happen.

Michael Pipe consistently displays thoughtful and sound leadership. He has focused on reforming the criminal justice re-entry system to limit costly recidivism, and spearheaded the 911 system upgrade. Pipe’s leadership is creating a more humane and safer county. But his contribution is not limited to the county — Pipe advocated and worked for Pennsylvania to offer online voter registration.

The Gaines’ are Penn State alumni whose roots brought them back to their alma mater’s backyard to establish their careers and family – and to engage in the flourishing, young professional community State College offers. Katie recently completed her doctoral degree in Ecology through Penn State, while David works as an attorney in the area. The two think of themselves as “true locals” and consider it important to be engaged in their community, including participating in volunteer work for local government candidates.

Katie and David are also strong supporters of Mike Pipe, a friend and incumbent candidate for Centre County Commissioner.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Centre County Commissioner Michael Pipe has been named one of a select group of 25 leaders in county government from across the country to participate in the 12 program developed by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Cambridge Leadership Associates.

Thank you to all those who came out and supported me in yesterday's election. I'm grateful for your continued support and look forward to taking my campaign for re-election into the November election. We've accomplished a lot during the last three and a half years but there is a lot more work to do in reforming our criminal justice system, expanding voter access, and making government more transparent. Thanks again!